THERE are some rules when buying any second-hand car - like making sure of full service history - but that becomes even more important with cars such as the Aston Martin DB9 - and it must be from a dealer.

Astons are stunningly beautiful and immensely stylish, but they are also immensely complicated and it is far better to make sure everything is done right by taking them to a dealer - even though it is pretty expensive.

There is only one V12 engine with between 450 and 540bhp in the DB9 and the performance is right up there in the supercar league with a top speed of at least 186 miles an hour and zero to 62mph in under five seconds.

Such immense power demands firm, sporting suspension to handle it and that means it is best on fairly smooth A-roads, where it grips beautifully and seamlessly tracks through the corners.

But give it a lumpy surface and it loses some of its composure.

That suspension gives a ride that's on the firm side and this can get wearing over longer distance.But of course, when you're driving an Aston, you really don't care very much, now do you.

Interiors are something we in this country do better than anyone in the world and Aston Martin is at the pinnacle of driving luxury.

The DB7 interior was designed during Ford's ownership of the company and borrowed many parts from that companies range.

But the DB9 was completely new and everything feels much more up to date and looks more stylish.

The matt wood and aluminium dash is complimented by sumptuous leather and carpet and although the rear seats are big enough for children on a short run, it is essentially a two seater.

The boot is also very small - with just about enough space for a set of golf clubs.

The best second-hand examples are going to be at dealers, who should have a choice from the 20 paint and 20 interior colours.

The DB9 is available with either a manual or automatic gearbox and the latter also functions as a paddle-shift manual.

Astons are expensive to run, with regular servicing necessary, high insurance premiums and best economy in the high teens.